My Wife Is The Leader Of A Demonic Cult

Chapter 129: Chapter 129 True Feelings Revealed at the Dinner Table (Thanks to the Alliance Hierarch, the Tearless Lazy Worm)

Boom! Boom!

The ground trembled as if an earthquake were occurring.

And it seemed as if everyone’s minds were swaying along with it.

“A Grandmaster, this is a Grandmaster, run quickly!”

Luo Zixiang’s face changed dramatically as he yelled at the experts from the Demon Sect’s Earth Sect around him.

The Grandmaster in front of them didn’t seem intent on killing, but it was still wiser to flee first.

“Swoosh! Swoosh!”

In an instant, the high-ranking experts of the Demon Sect’s Earth Sect abandoned the fight, soaring away into the distance.

“What a pity to let such a great opportunity slip away….”

Mo Yan’s expression fluctuated, and he sighed to himself, eventually retreating into the distance as well.

Soon, the grand battle at Cao Gang Headquarters came to an end, leaving only the Cao Gang members lying on the ground, wailing in pain.

The end came too quickly, as if it were all just a dream.

These two Heavenly Flower Realm experts and numerous people from the Demon Sect had been scared off!? Could this truly be the terrifying strength of a Grandmaster?

The Cao Gang helpers looked at each other, at a loss for words.

“Gang Leader…”

Tian Liu, enduring the pain, advanced towards Liu Qingshan.

Liu Qingshan, however, extended his hand to stop Tian Liu, then fixed his gaze on the broken eaves ahead.

There on the eaves sat a man in a dark cyan robe, an ancient longsword resting below him, his robe flapping wildly in the fierce wind.

He exuded an indescribable air of reckless abandon and willfulness.

This man was all too familiar to Liu Qingshan.

Tian Liu followed Liu Qingshan’s gaze, only to see the wind stirring above the broken eaves and nothing else. He could not comprehend what Liu Qingshan was looking at.

“Gang Leader Liu, it has been a long time,” said An Jing through voice transmission.

What a formidable concealment technique.

Liu Qingshan raised an eyebrow; he was extremely skilled at concealment and disguise techniques, considered one of the best in the world, but even he was startled by the Ghost Swordsman.

No one else present could see the Ghost Swordsman, including Tian Liu of the Human Flower Realm and Gao Yiming of the Earth Flower Realm.

The reason was that An Jing had not only used the Concealing Qi Technique but also the Ghost Valley Enchantment.

In particular, the Ghost Valley Enchantment, at the Second Profound Realm level, could even trick an ordinary Earth Flower Realm expert if they were not vigilant.

“That Grandmaster just now…?” Liu Qingshan asked with a grave face.

Indeed, the Ghost Swordsman had a formidable support, a Master Level expert behind him.

“He’s already gone; that’s not important,” An Jing replied lightly with a smile. “What’s important is that I saved your life, right, Gang Leader Liu?”

Liu Qingshan gave a noncommittal response, saying, “That’s one way to put it.”

With two Heavenly Flower Realm experts hunting him, his situation was indeed very dangerous. Even if he could have barely survived, he would likely have been severely injured.

An Jing nodded and then asked, “What do you think, Gang Leader Liu, is the life of a Heavenly Flower Realm expert worth more than two dead Human Flower experts?”

Liu Qingshan pondered deeply upon hearing this, and swiftly grasped the deeper meaning in An Jing’s words.

Back at Three Temple Mountain, the Ghost Swordsman had killed Gan Yue and Zhang Shuang while fighting for the Heaven and Earth Spirit Essence. Many monks from Fa Xi Temple had witnessed it, as had some Xuanyi Guards.

Everyone who mingled in Jianghu knew that the Xuanyi Guard kept a roster of names, listing all the present martial world experts.

The names on this roster were of two colors: black and red.

Black bore no additional significance.

But red was different; it signified that the person was being hunted by the Xuanyi Guard, and the level of this pursuit varied from first, second, to third class.

In the past, the Emperor of Great Yan would check this roster from time to time each year.

The purpose of the Xuanyi Guard was to periodically eliminate those on the red list, relieving the Emperor of worries. However, as the Emperor increasingly stayed cloistered within the palace, seemingly incapacitated and ignoring state affairs, the efficiency of these Xuanyi Guard eliminations also decreased.

After commiting such a significant act as killing two Great Heavenly Gang members at Three Temple Mountain, the Ghost Swordsman instantly became a first-class red name on that roster.

Yet, because of his elusive nature, the Heaven and Earth Net was temporarily unable to determine his whereabouts. And recently, since the Ghost Swordsman had also defeated the Universal Benefit Bodhisattva, shaking the entire world, the Xuanyi Guard even put off pursuing him for a while.

However, once the Xuanyi Guard were free to act, or before the Emperor emerged from seclusion, they would surely make a significant move. At such a time, he would inevitably face a siege from the Xuanyi Guard.

No one in the Great Yan Martial World dared to underestimate the Xuanyi Guard’s eliminations.

Even Li Fuzhou, a former Half-step Master, had been severely wounded by Xi Yuanjun, barely escaping with his life.

After all, once on the red list, there would be an endless pursuit; and the Xuanyi Guard wasn’t just comprised of Half-step Masters.

“Worth it,” Liu Qingshan finally said after a long silence.

Today, the sect hierarch behind the Ghost Swordsman had not only saved his life but had also issued a stern warning to the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion and the Demon Sect. Considering the deterrence of such power, they were unlikely to take action against him again anytime soon, and Liu Qingshan was well aware of the pros and cons involved.

“Let’s not beat around the bush; can your associate erase that red name?” An Jing asked bluntly.

In his heart, the Xuanyi Guard was quite different from the Zhenyi Sect.

The Zhenyi Sect was after the Daluo Heart Method in his possession. Even if push came to shove, and the Zhenyi Sect did find him, he could ultimately hand over the Daluo Heart Method.

But the red name from the Xuanyi Guard meant they genuinely wanted to kill him. And with the Xuanyi Guard boasting numerous experts and backed by the Great Yan’s strongest intelligence network, the Heaven and Earth Net, the stakes were higher.

Right now, they hadn’t found out his whereabouts, but what about later? What if his identity was exposed?

If exposed, An Jing’s name would become a fugitive wanted by Great Yan, thus Zhao Qingmei and others would also be implicated, forced to live a life of rootless drift and exile from their hometowns.

People like Han Wenxin and Zhou Xianming would also meet with disaster.

In Great Yan, the only one who managed to provoke both the Zhenyi Sect and Xuanyi Guard at the same time was the Demon Sect.

Even with numerous experts including some Grandmasters, the Demon Sect ultimately left Great Yan in a sorry state.

An Jing didn’t think his current strength could compare with the Demon Sect’s.

“It can be resolved.”

Liu Qingshan also smiled, “Rest assured, your red name will be cleared within half a month, and then, our grudges can be considered completely written off.”

“That’s good.”

Hearing this, An Jing nodded and prepared to stand up and take his leave.

“Please wait a moment.”

Liu Qingshan quickly said, “Since you’re here, why not come inside for a sit?”

He was very curious about the Ghost Swordsman, especially the Grandmaster behind him.

“There’s no need.”

An Jing waved his hand and then, with a leap, he vanished above the eaves in the blink of an eye.

“What a pity.”

Liu Qingshan watched the disappearing figure and muttered with regret.

To know that behind the Ghost Swordsman stood a Grandmaster—if one could lure him over, that person would certainly be thrilled.

“Gang Leader Liu!? What’s the pity…..”

Gao Yiming also came over, seeing Liu Qingshan staring at the damaged eaves above, he was somewhat puzzled.

“It’s nothing.”

Liu Qingshan smiled and said.

Tian Liu couldn’t help but ask, “Gang Leader, who is that Grandmaster…..?”

He had never heard of a Grandmaster behind Liu Qingshan.

Not just Tian Liu, Gao Yiming also wore a hint of confusion. Who was the Grandmaster behind the Crown Prince? Could it be that person?

But that person had never been known to leave the Imperial Palace.

“Tian Liu, take care of the aftermath. Make sure the compensation for each fallen gang member is done properly. Don’t be sloppy.”

Liu Qingshan then shouted, “Liu the Freak, prepare a quiet room for me.”

“Yes!”

An oddly-looking old man hustled out in response.

Tian Liu watched this and grew even more astonished.

…….

An Jing’s body, light as a drifting leaf, soon reached the outskirts of the city, and then he found the Thousand-year-old Black Python.

“Let’s go, we’re going home.”

“Swoosh! Swoosh!”

The massive body of the Thousand-year-old Black Python launched into the air, rushing forward.

This settled one of his worries. Even if his identity was revealed in the future, at least he was innocent in the eyes of the Great Yan Court, and it wouldn’t implicate his wife or people around him.

“I almost forgot…”

An Jing seemed to remember something and quickly took out a paper doll from his sleeve.

A few hours ago, Zhao Qingmei had sought him out.

“It’s so late now, my wife must be asleep,” he presumed.

With that thought, An Jing tried to move the paper doll’s arm, preparing to put it away.

But soon enough, the right arm of the paper doll moved three times, then another three times…..

“Three motions mean distress… she must be upset because I didn’t respond, which is why she hasn’t slept so late, holding that paper doll.”

An Jing’s heart trembled, and a drop of cold sweat formed on his forehead.

Then the paper doll jerked as if in a convulsion, causing his heart to pound frantically.

“My dear, let me explain….”

……..

In February, the early spring was brisk and chill.

Near Sanshui Town, within a waterside pavilion.

Several scholars who had come for the exam gathered, engaging in high-minded discussions and enjoying each other’s company.

A handsome and imposing scholar stood before the pavilion, lamenting, “In no more than one or two months, this garden will surely burst with spring life, and by that time, the endless beauty will truly be something to look forward to.”

The elegantly dressed young man beside him laughed, “I think by the time Brother Zuo excels in the exams, the spring scenery will inspire a different kind of insight.”

Both men were scholars traveling to take the exams, but their conversation and demeanor stood out distinctively from the other students nearby.

The handsome one was named Zuo Zixin, and the elegantly dressed one was Xu Zongshun, both well-known talents from the Capital Region.

“Brother Xu is just jesting,” replied Zuo Zixin with a light chuckle, yet his eyes brimmed with confidence, confident that the upcoming exam was his to conquer.

Xu Zongshun turned to the silent Confucian scholar, saying, “In my humble opinion, Brother Zhou here is also highly talented….”

This Confucian was none other than Zhou Xianming, who had traveled from Jiangnan Dao for the exams.

Zhou Xianming and Li Fuzhou had traveled the sights and sceneries, almost reaching Yujing City, when Li suddenly caught a cold near Sanshui Town, forcing them to stop for rest.

Zhou Xianming had gotten to know a few scholars who came to enjoy the spring, and as Jiangnan Dao’s leader in the exams, they quickly became familiar with each other.

Today, the scholars had agreed to meet here to appreciate the plum blossoms.

“The two esteemed brothers jest; how could someone of my limited talent and wisdom possibly compare with the two of you?” Zhou Xianming said modestly.

Although the two men had not announced their identities, Zhou Xianming was acutely aware that their attire and way of speaking were far from ordinary.

Zuo Zixin most likely came from a family of nobility with a scholarly heritage, while Xu Zongshun, who was generous and skilled at reading people, must belong to a family of wealthy merchants.

Their social status was worlds apart from his own, and if not for the identity of Jiangnan Dao’s top scholar, they probably wouldn’t have even given him a second glance.

“Brother Zhou is truly too modest.”

Xu Zongshun smiled and said, “To appreciate plum blossoms, one must truly savor them, so Brother Zuo, feel free to speak your mind today.”

The surrounding students all looked over, curiosity gleaming in their eyes.

Three years ago, during the Imperial examination that selected scholars for government posts, one of the final questions posed by the Human Emperor was about appreciating plum blossoms.

So despite it appearing to be mere leisure and enjoyment, this act also represents the students’ character and scholarship.

Zuo Zixin’s fingers lightly brushed a plum branch, “This plum blossom before us, it does not fear the harsh cold, it stands proud against frost and battles the snow. In the bone-chilling winter, when white snow blankets the earth, and all the other flowers have withered before the arrival of the season.”

“In this world blanketed by snow, there are spots of blood-red, which aren’t the glow of fire but red plum blossoms unfurling among the white. They bloom on the branches, braving the frosty wind that skims over their bright petals, enduring the cold snow that burdens their fragile frames, and no matter the weight, they never bow down, standing erect amidst the snow and wind, battling the elements…”

All who heard nodded to themselves in admiration.

“Brother Zuo speaks truly,”

Xu Zongshun laughed lightly, “The plum that stands proud amidst the wind and snow is also why poets and scholars cherish it. The harsher the frost and snow, the more fragrant it blooms, refreshing the heart and spirit… This is the spirit of our ancestors, the spirit of Great Yan.”

“It is because of this spirit that our predecessors from Great Yan could shelter and protect the common people of this world, which is something we should deeply contemplate.”

All the students in attendance nodded in agreement.

“It is because of these predecessors that peace reigns throughout the Four Seas.”

“This world must rely on us, the scholars.”

“Warriors only know how to wave their weapons; how could they possibly understand the principles of governing a country and maintaining peace?”

…..

Xu Zongshun nodded in satisfaction, then turned to Zhou Xianming and asked with curiosity, “Brother Zhou, what are you looking at?”

Zhou Xianming was crouched on the ground, seemingly observing something.

Zuo Zixin also looked over with curiosity.

“I’m looking at this.”

Zhou Xianming pointed to a small grass that had been covered by heavy snow but was now showing new green shoots.

“It’s just a weed,” Xu Zongshun’s eyes flashed with indifference.

“Right, what’s so fascinating about a weed?” said a student nearby, his lip curled.

“That’s where you’re wrong,”

Zhou Xianming disagreed, shaking his head, “Who says there’s nothing to appreciate about a weed? When all the flowers bloom here, this weed will have grown too, adding to the fragrance of the garden.”

“And aren’t these ubiquitous weeds just like the common folk of the world? Although insignificant, they still radiate their own light.”

Zuo Zixin frowned upon hearing this, “But weeds are everywhere, whereas the cold-resistant plum is a rarity. Moreover, weeds perish in winter, how can they compare with the plum?”

Zhou Xianming said placidly, “Indeed, the plum blossoms that stand proudly amidst the snow deserve praise, and although the leaves of the weed may wither, its roots remain firmly implanted in the soil. When the next year comes, they will bloom with renewed life, just like the lands of this world where, everywhere, spring can be seen, everywhere, wild grass can be seen, but one cannot see cold-resistant plum blossoms everywhere.”

The students present felt a jolt in their hearts upon hearing this.

Xu Zongshun retorted, “These weeds grow on the ground, easy to find and trample on, insulted by anyone…”

Zhou Xianming slowly said, “Then comes the wildfire, turning the blooming garden to ashes, yet in the following year, the field is vibrant with green, with only these weeds growing wildly…”

As Zhou Xianming’s voice fell, complete silence enveloped the pavilion, as if in their minds, they could already see the scene of the weeds growing unrestrained after the garden has been ravaged by fire.

The expressions of the students present shook profoundly, ripples stirring in their hearts.

Xu Zongshun’s complexion turned very sour, and Zuo Zixin’s brow tightened, speechless.

“I shall take my leave first,” Zhou Xianming said.

He sighed softly and then walked slowly towards the inn.

Soon after, following the path, he returned to the inn.

“What happened, weren’t you out appreciating plum blossoms today?”

Li Fuzhou lay on the bed reading a book, asking casually.

Zhou Xianming seemed quite forlorn as he said, “‘Paths not shared, strategies not planned together. Aspirations not aligned, friendships not formed.'”

Suddenly, he began longing for Yu State City, recalling the joyful days of drinking wine with the doctor and the arrest officer.

“Then you might end up without many friends,” Li Fuzhou couldn’t help but laugh when he heard this.

Others may not know the identity of the scholars who were appreciating the plums, but Li Fuzhou was well aware.

The one named Zuo Zixin was the eldest son of Zuo Biwen, the Valley Master of Youfeng Valley; his aunt was the current Empress, a true royal relative, and with the backing of Youfeng Valley and the Zuo Family, he was among the top elite scions of Yujing City.

And Xu Zongshun’s origins were also extraordinary; his father was the president of the Yujing Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber was responsible for trading Feiyan cosmetics and rouge across Great Yan, besides this, there were many other household items produced by the Yujing Chamber of Commerce.

Without exaggeration, the Yujing Chamber of Commerce was the largest in all of Great Yan, and such growth wouldn’t have been possible without some backing.

“I expected as much,”

Zhou Xianming took a deep breath, “In the eyes of those in power, the land is theirs, the people are theirs; everything is theirs…”

Li Fuzhou nodded in agreement, “That’s right.”

Isn’t that what the ruling class of any dynasty have always believed?

The world is their world: since the Great Zhou Dynasty, Confucianism has risen, entered the halls of power, and established the immensely powerful Great Zhou.

Ever since, the Confucian scholars have been the backbone of the imperial court.

In the eyes of the Confucians, the world is theirs to share and rule with the Human Emperor; they believe they have a stake in it.

And the Emperor himself believes the world is his to rule.

This is the fundamental contradiction between the emperors and the Confucians, between the Human Emperor and the Confucian representative Lv Guoyong.

“But this world, is the world of all its people.” Zhou Xianming narrowed his eyes, reflecting a faint glimmer of ghostly light.

Li Fuzhou was slightly startled and said, “Your thoughts are dangerous, do you realize not everyone will listen to reason?”

Zhou Xianming’s words were ambitious and thought-provoking, but they also carried a trace of great unorthodoxy, challenging Confucian principles.

“I’ve said this to Doctor An before, I said that not everyone in this world is reasonable.” Zhou Xianming spoke somberly.

“What did he say?”

Li Fuzhou asked with curiosity.

Zhou Xianming smiled and said, “Doctor An told me he’s a simple man, a mere mortal. If reason fails to prevail, then he would just flip the table. I think he’s absolutely right.”

Looking at Zhou Xianming’s expression, Li Fuzhou felt like he was seeing his own former self.

The same talent, the same persistence, the only difference was that he was dashing and debonair in his youth, something Zhou Xianming could not compare.

“Mr. Li, how is your cold? Feeling any better?”

“Somewhat better.”

“Then shall we have a light drink tonight, what do you say?”

“That would be nice.”

…..

Several days later, at Jishi Hall.

Little Blackie lay on the ground leisurely, basking in the warm spring sun.

“Tan Yun, it’s time to eat.”

An Jing called out as he walked out of the kitchen.

“Coming, coming!”

Tan Yun, dressed in a long green robe, hurried out of the pharmacy, her beautiful, sparkling eyes enchanting: “I’ve been smelling the fragrance for a while now.”

An Jing pinched Tan Yun’s cheek and said, “Eat up, I’ve made your favorite braised pork knuckle.”

Ever since he discovered Tan Yun’s late-night studying, An Jing no longer let her cook, and since dining out wasn’t an affordable option, he had taken up the task himself.

“Really?”

At this, Tan Yun ran excitedly into the kitchen.

“Woof woof woof!”

Little Blackie also ran in pell-mell, then sat down on the ground.

The pork knuckle on the table was red and glistening.

An Jing also sat down and said, “Try it and see how it tastes?”

“Son-in-law, you haven’t started eating, how could I…,” Tan Yun suddenly felt a bit embarrassed upon seeing this.

The son-in-law is indeed kind, even cooking meals for her.

“It’s fine, go ahead and eat,” An Jing said with a smile.

“Well then, Son-in-law, I won’t stand on ceremony….”

Tan Yun swallowed hard, then eagerly picked up a piece of pork knuckle and bit into it.

There was a layer of fat, but it wasn’t greasy, and beneath that was the lean meat, which melted in her mouth, layered yet seamless without any rough edges.

“How does it taste?

“Son-in-law, it’s delicious….”

Tan Yun’s eyes lit up, almost wishing she could swallow her own tongue, and she exclaimed brightly, “Son-in-law, this pork knuckle is so delicious.”

An Jing picked up a pair of chopsticks: “If it’s good, eat more. You’ve been staying up late reading, you look thinner.”

Staying up late studying….

Hearing An Jing’s words, Tan Yun paused with her utensil in hand.

“What’s the matter?” An Jing couldn’t help but ask when he saw this.

“No, it’s nothing.”

Tan Yun quickly shook her head, then bowed her little head and began devouring the pork knuckle.

An Jing said, “However, you shouldn’t neglect your cooking skills. In case you get married one day, not having them won’t do…”

Upon hearing this, Tan Yun’s expression momentarily froze and she said, “Son-in-law, if I get married, does that mean I can’t stay with Miss, with you and the others?”

For some reason, her heart suddenly felt a tinge of loss.

Eventually, when Son-in-law finds out about the Sect Hierarch’s identity, he will naturally discover hers too.

Then she would no longer pretend to be a maid beside the Sect Hierarch and was sure to leave this home behind.

“Of course, you wouldn’t live together then,” replied An Jing, his eyebrows raised. Recalling what Tan Yun had said before, he asked, “What, have you taken a liking to someone?”

Tan Yun bit her lip and earnestly said, “Son-in-law, no matter what happens in the future, I won’t forget the kindness you’ve shown me.”

In fact, at home, Li Fuzhou, due to his special status, was someone she revered, and Zhao Qingmei was of much higher standing, making her interactions with them more reserved. She spent most of her time joking and laughing with the Doctor in front of her.

The thought of having to leave here one day made her feel strangely reluctant.

“Just don’t seek revenge on me, and that will be fine,” An Jing said, waving his hand. Then he added somewhat sourly, “By the way, who is the man of your dreams?”

That can’t be right!

How could there be a man in Yu State City more elegant and handsome than himself?

“Brother An, Brother An!”

Just then, a panicked voice called from outside the door.